National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Acetonitrile: Environmental effects

Description

Acetonitrile is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. Acetonitrile has slight acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term and long-term effects of acetonitrile on plants or land animals.

Entering the environment

Acetonitrile can be transported in air as vapour, and in water.

Where it ends up

Acetonitrile vapour will be diluted in air to low levels which are harmless to the environment. Acetonitrile completely dissolves in water, decomposing over time to produce fumes and vapour which are diluted in air.

Environmental guidelines

No national guidelines.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist